OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

A CRIME IN HOLLAND 155
They were getting down to brass tacks. Maigret felt he was
making progress, if not towards the solution of the mystery, at any
rate in his knowledge of the Popingas' private life.
" No ... yes "
" She's not quite the same type as you and Mademoiselle Any, is
she? "
" She's very young, of course . .. her father was a friend of
Conrad's ... she would bring us apples, raspberries, or cream."
" Was she in love with Cor? "
" No."
The answer was categorical.
" You never cared much for her, did you? "
" Why shouldn't I? ... A jolly girl: whenever she came she'd
fill the house up with her chatter and laughter. More like the
chirping of a bird, if you see what I mean. ..."
"Do you know Oosting? "
" Yes."
" Was he a friend of your husband's? "
" Last year he had a new motor put in his boat, and he asked
Conrad's advice about it. In fact, Conrad drew up some plans for
him. Then they used to go seal-shooting together on the sandbanks
. . ."
She hesitated a moment before suddenly blurting out:
" You're thinking of the cap, perhaps . .. you think he might
have .. . Oosting! . . . it's impossible. . . ."
She heaved a sigh and then went on:
" No, I can't believe it's Oosting either. I can't believe it's anybody.
Nobody could have wanted him to die. . . . You never knew
him.. .. He .. . he . . ."
Weeping, she turned her head away. Maigret thought it better
to go. They didn't offer to shake hands, so he simply bowed his
way out, muttering excuses.
Outside, he was surprised by the chill dampness that rose from
the canal. On the other bank, not far from the shipwright's yard,
he caught sight of the Baes talking to a young man in uniform,
evidently one of the cadets of the training-ship.
They were standing together in the twilight. Oosting was apparently
speaking emphatically. The young man hung his head.
Maigret could only just make out the pale oval of his face, but he
at once jumped to the conclusion it was Cornelius. And when he
saw a aSpe band on his sleeve, he felt quite sure.